Rita Abla Dugbenu is a development professional, learning expert, and project management specialist with over seven years of experience designing, managing, and implementing projects focused on education, women and adolescent development, child rights, youth transitions, sustainable livelihoods, and human capital development in Africa.
She currently serves as the Assistant Director of the West Africa Hub at The Education Collaborative, Ashesi University, where she leads the implementation of the strategic plan and contextualization of initiatives for the hub. Her work strengthens the capacity of African universities to improve institutional and student outcomes, with a focus on raising ethical, entrepreneurial graduates who can create jobs, lead industries, and drive economic transformation. She also oversees sub-regional higher education initiatives, including faculty development, research, career readiness, employability, ethics, and leadership.
Previously, Rita led the SPREAD Project at International Needs Ghana, a UNICEF-funded initiative aimed at reducing adolescent pregnancy, abuse, and exploitation across 11 districts. The project created safer, more protective environments for over 6,000 adolescents.
Her professional experience spans project management, programme evaluation, stakeholder engagement, curriculum development, and training in collaboration with various development partners.
Rita holds a BA in Spanish and Linguistics and an MA in International Affairs from the University of Ghana.